One of favorite parts of being a Mott’s Mom is the fun topics they want us to talk about with you and for June the topic is ‘Picnics’. I loved this topic as picnicking is such a integral part of the American Summer.
For our family, we picnic at the beach as we live close to Misquamicut Beach. One of our favorite, and honestly, magical habits is to head to the beach and have a casual dinner picnic. With my current obsession with Ball jars, I decided to give a picnic in a jar a try.
Why You ask? The jars are compact, pack up easily, easy to close back up when someone is done eating or taking a break (and this helps with pesky gulls and bugs). They are reusable, fun and dang cute!
So, what did we pack? some wraps, hummus with carrots and cucumbers, grapes and cheese
bowtie pasta salad,
Some sparkling tea
strawberry shortcake in a jar (not kidding).
I love the romance of watching our children rub their toes in the sand while they nibble and once they are done, I get to cuddle with my hubby on a blanket and nibble as well.
We then often wrap up the evening with a stroll. The kids are inevitably wet and tired so we drag ourselves (5 lbs of sand and all) back to the van and quietly cruise home. Perfection.
What are your essential picnic foods? Let me and Mott’s know by commenting here and interact with them on their Facebook page.
p.s. I know some might be thinking, uh-oh glass on beach. Naturally, you need to be careful not to leave a glass jar out where someone can step on it (and make sure beaches even allow).
Disclosure: As a Mott’s Mom, I am compensated for my time.
Leanne Loach says
Awesome idea! Thanks for sharing beautiful and loving pictures.
Jennifer says
True statement. I addressed that at the end of the post. Thanks!
Betsy says
Great idea but many beaches do not allow glass!
lindsey says
omgosh! What a great idea! Lovely!
Jennifer says
Hi Cindy and thanks for coming by – you are correct that many public beaches do not allow glass, so keep this for private beaches or a picnic in the park.
Cindi @Frugal New England Kitchen says
Luv the jars, so many uses for them. Didn’t think glass was allowed on public beaches though, at least not in Connecticut.
This Confetti Life says
So cute! The strawberry shortcake in a jar looks delish!
patsy says
That has to be the cutest picnic I’ve ever seen! I’m going to make a note to see if our favorite beach allows glass or not… even if they don’t, I love what you pack for you picnic nibbles!
Elle says
Wow, what a great idea!
Audrey's mom says
Such a cute idea. I, too have a mason jar thing. Never thought to shove a picnic in one. We have packed them full of cupcakes and shipped them to grandparents.
Nicole says
Fabulous idea Jenifer! I’ll be using this one for sure : )
Nicole
Megan's Cookin' says
I love your picnic in a jar. I have to check out those salad recipes too. We’re headed for a week to the coast and I’ll have to make more things in a jar. Have the pie already planned but I love the salad idea too! Perfect for tailgating.
Jennifer says
Karen, you are simply the best!
Karen W says
OMG Jen you are so smart!! I love the idea of this and since the Bell Jars are pretty thick they safe to use like this.. and it’s prob fun for the kids, eating out of a jar. Mine would look at me with a look of “mom are you serious” and then ask for it all the time cuz it’s neat! They might even eat something they normally wouldn’t cuz it’s in a ‘jar’. You inspire me with all your healthy meal options to get kids to eat healthy… love them and keep them coming my friend!! xoxox
Kathy - Panini Happy says
What a gorgeous day at the beach! Your kids look so happy. I’ll bet they had fun with their jars! 🙂
Kristen says
So much fun – I wish we lived near a beach!
brandi says
great idea – especially the shortcake in the jar!
Becca says
Can’t wait to try the picnic in a jar with the boys, though they don’t like hummus, I think they will like PB on the bottom and carrot, apples, and celery on top!
c2cmom says
Ooh – I love the idea of packing a picnic into jars! I’m going to try this for our July 4th celebration, and I’ll make your strawberry shortcake in a jar for sure. Thanks for inspiring me!
Marly says
That does sound like a perfect day! I wish we had a beach nearby. We have plenty of lakes, but their beaches are not really comparable to the Atlantic!
Laurie says
So lovely!!!! Thanks for sharing the inspiration!!